14 Places Kids Eat Free

Restaurants throughout the country are feeling the sting of the slow economy, just like you. In order to improve their bottom line and get families to eat out more often, many have initiated programs where kids eat free with the purchase of adult entrees. National chains, such as Bennigan's, TGI Friday's, and IHOP are promoting these deals, and local mom-and-pop restaurants are starting to do the same.

The specific times and dates vary from restaurant to restaurant, including those of the big chains so call your local favorites directly and find out if they have any kids-eat-free specials. Usually, these deals take place on off-peak days, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays; if you can find a deal, it's a good excuse to  spend time with the grandkids. Treat them to a special dinner, give their parents some downtime, and save money at the same time.

Here is a short list of national chains that have kids-eat-free deals at some locations*:

*Note: These specials vary from restaurant to restaurant and are subject to change at any time. The sample deals are real listings, but may not apply to the specific restaurants in your area. Sometimes, the deal in your area might even be better.

Applebee's
Sample deal: Get one kid's meal free when you buy one adult meal. Additional kids eat for $1 each.

Bennigan's
Sample deal: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée, on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Captain D's
Sample deal: Thursdays, kids eat free. Get two free kids' meals with any adult entree purchased at regular price, dine-in only.

Chevys Fresh Mex
Sample deal: All day Tuesday, get one free kid's meal with one adult entrée, dine-in only.

Chic-fil-A
Sample deal: Get a free kid's meal with purchase of a combo deal, Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Denny's
Sample deal: Tuesdays from 4pm to 10pm, up to two kids' entrees are free with the purchase of one adult entrée.

Firehouse Subs
Sample deal: Kids enjoy a free meal from the kids' menu with the purchase of a combo meal.

IHOP
Sample deal: From 4pm to 8pm every day, kids get one free kids’-menu item with the purchase of an adult entree.

Jason's Deli
Sample deal: All day Sunday, kids eat free from the kids' menu.

Marie Callender's
Sample deal: All day, Tuesday and Saturday, receive one free kid's meal with the purchase of one adult entrée.

O'Charley's
Sample deal: Kids, 12 years old and younger, eat free every night of the week (up to two per paying adult).

Red Robin
Sample deal: Tuesday nights, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

T.G.I. Friday's
Sample deal: Mondays and Tuesdays, kids younger than 3 years old eat free.

Tony Roma's
Sample deal: Tuesdays, kids 12 and younger eat free.